Western Heritage

If you are interested in entering a photo into the show pleaseread the guidelines and fill out and attach the entry form to your entry. Make sure you fill out the form completely and bring it into the Museum by the deadline: 5pm Friday, May 20. All entries must have a WHITE matte and a simple BLACK frame no larger than 14”x 18”(including frame). The frame MUST have a hanging wire on the back. Photographers are not to be identified on the front of an entered image. A completed entry form shall be attached to the back of the entered image. There is a limit of two entries per photographer.

Good luck to all who enter and don’t miss your chance to come out and see the great photographers we have in the community.

District Wide Art Show

May 14 - 22, 2011

You won't want to miss the District Wide Art Show for Elementary Students Ribbon Winners.

The artwork will be on display at the Western Heritage Museum starting with a reception on May 14th at 1pm, and remain on display through May 22nd.

Historic Petroleum Stock Certificates from the Heinrich Wenning Collection

The exhibition of the petroleum related stock certificates will be presented at the Western Heritage Museum Complex on the New Mexico Junior College Campus in Hobbs, New Mexico from October 28^th through November 23^th and will then be traveling to other museum venues within the region throughout next year.

The items being displayed are on loan from the volumous collection of Mr. Heinrich Wenning, of Cedar Crest, NM and span the history and development of the petroleum industry. The presentation includes some of the only known surviving certificates from the earliest stages of the creation of both the majors and minor oil companies especially related to Texas, California and the Southwest. There are some examples of letters and other archival materials that have become extremely significant from an historical perspective.

This is the first time these materials have been exhibited to the public and as Calvin Smith, Executive Director of the Western Heritage Museum Complex, stated, “This is a rare privilege to be able to put this show together in our area because it is the heritage of the oil and gas industry and we are most pleased that the Permian Basin Petroleum Association will be meeting here to see and enjoy this special offering”.

Cowboy Art & Ranch Photography

Water’s Extreme Journey was developed with a focus on creativity by renowned marine life artist Wyland. The exhibit combines the worlds of art and science to demonstrate the importance of water and how it connects us all. Through exploration, scientific inquiry, artistic expression, and action, visitors will experience the water cycle, understand the science behind water purity, and realize the power each individual has to make a difference.

The exhibit includes a themed game Water’s Extreme Journey Maze, which transforms visitors into a drop of water entering a watershed, sending them on a journey through different watershed habitats including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, estuaries, bays, and oceans. Students will also have the opportunity to become science sleuths in the Investigation Science Center. Following the steps of the scientific method, visitors will conduct their own hands-on investigation of water properties and quality.

2009 Exhibits

Fall Photography Show

Nov. 17 – Dec. 4, 2009

A little different from our annual Spring Photography Show, this Fall Show will showcase pieces from the fall semester photography classes at NMJC. Students will be able to display their favorite pieces in the Museum gallery where visitors can admire them. This show will not be juried. Make plans to see this relaxed, wonderful show. Nov. 17 – Dec. 8, 2009.

Cowgirls Exhibit

Sept. 13 - Nov. 22, 2009

The word “cowboy” invokes images of the indomitable man on horseback. But what do we know of the cowgirl? COWGIRLS:

COWGIRLS documents the daily challenges, professional triumphs, and personal tenacity shared by the women who run cattle or ride broncs and bulls. From the competitive grit of the rodeo circuit and the exhausting demands of cattle ranching to the intimate bond they share with their animals, modern cowgirls call to mind the independence, fortitude, and incomparable vigor demonstrated by women who endured the hardships and challenges of life on the American frontier.
During the three years she spent capturing these evocative portraits, Farley found

the cowgirls to be “distinct, impressive, and unforgettable.”

2009 Festival of Quilts

Opened June 18 and will continue until July 11

2009 Festival of Quilts and Community Quilt raffle. The exhibit opened June 18 and will continue until July 11. A beautiful Community Quilt will be on exhibit and will be raffled on July 10 at the Bluegrass Jam concert. Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased at the Western Heritage Museum Complex during regular operating hours.

*Join us for the 2010 Festival of Quilts June 17 – July 17. The theme will be “Home on the Range.” Download the entry form and guidelines for the 2010 Festival here. We look forward to seeing all the great work for the “Home on the Range” 2010 Festival of Quilts.

WHM staff Lupe Johnston raffle winner with Kathy Miller

Liberty on the Border - A Civil War Exhibit

January 29, 2009 - May 9, 2009

This innovative exhibit invites visitors to experience the American Civil War by examining concepts of "borders" by looking at the way borders were drawn and perceived before, during, and after the war. Visitors will be able to develop a deeper comprehension of the different and sometimes contentious meaning of personal "liberty".

2008 Exhibits

Wonders of the Weavers

January 18 - March 15, 2008

Nineteeth century Rio Grande textiles
assembled over a 26-year period by
the Albuquerque Museum. These beautiful examples of Hispanic weaving
graced the Western Heritage Museum Complex walls with amazing color and texture.

Second Annual NMCJ / Hobbs High School Western Heritage Museum Photography Show

April 12 - May 3, 2008

Photographers from NMJC and the Hobbs High School staff and students competed for top honors in this second annual event.

A total of sixty-four photographs in the categories of Landscape, Nature, People, Macro, Architecture/Transportation, and Computer Manipulated were displayed for viewers' appraisal.

The Museum would like to recognize those who have supported and put effort into this imaginative event. Organizers include Brian Henning, David Jett, and Calvin Smith. Sponsors include Wells Fargo Bank, Hobbs Municipal Schools, Lea County State Bank, Kim's Kakes, Forest Tire, 1st National Bank, Sadler and Son, and Permian Ford.

2008 Festival of Quilts / Windmills of Our Lives Exhibit

May 22 - June 7, 2008

May 22 - 24 during the 2008 Festival of Quilts, area artisans were able to display their crafts and gather to hear speakers, including:

TEXTile Messaging - New Mexico Art Quilters
Art Quilts - Albuquerque and Santa Fe
Featured Speaker/Teacher - Debbie Caffrey, author of "Can of Worms"

Many beautiful handmade quilts were on
display for the festival as well as the Windmills of our Lives
Exhibit through June 7.

Indelible (P)ink: The Pink Panther and Popular Culture

June - August 31, 2008

Movie, music and cartoon were the summer theme. This exhibition, featuring forty-four original animation cells with accompanying drawings recently acquired by the Daura Gallery, was a blast from the past, spying on the Pink Panther as an example of popular culture while uncovering his contributions to 20th century animation.

While Pink Panther was at the Complex, related activities have included a chance July 23 to meet Hobbs' own Carla Curry, who has extensive experience in the Hollywood film industry. Her credits include: Pink Panther 2, Walk the Line, Friday Night Lights, The Alamo, Tombstone, Major League, and Children of the Corn IV.

After Curry's presentation, the Western Heritage Museum Complex hosted a very special Pink Panther film presentation,

June 14 was Dollar Day and on June 17 the Complex hosted “Move that Drawing; A look inside the cartoon biz with Rex Barron.” Barron, former film animator, worked for film and television productions including The Lord of the Rings, Starchaser, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, and The Pink Panther. At the Western Heritage Museum Complex, he instructed children ages 10 – 16 in the art of character design and motion. Participants in the day-long workshop developed artistic and animation skills by applying lines of design into action.

Rio Grande ¡Bravo! The Panoramic Photography of Jon M. Smith

September 13, 2008

Rio Grande ¡Bravo!

The Panoramic Photography of
Jon M. Smith

This exhibit, on display through December 2008, features the Panoramic Photography of Jon M. Smith, a former Hobbs resident.Mr. Smith’s unique photography invites the viewer to share his journey along the Rio Grande. The large 30”x90” images are stunning---it’s almost like being there.

Come see the Rio Grande River as it travels through canyons, irrigation systems, gorges, and urban communities! Smith’s panoramic photography illustrates how the Rio Grande has impacted civilization and how civilization has impacted the river.

Mr. Smith gave a lecture on panoramic photography techniques at the museum Tuesday, October 14.

Pictures of the Exhibit:

Pictures of the Exhibit Opening Sept. 13, 2008:

Above left: Jon Smith with his granddaughter

Above: Jon Smith and Calvin Smith

Right: Jon Smith visits with guests at the Opening.

2007 Exhibits

Home Town Christmas - Christmas Tree Forest

November 18 - December 15, 2007
Family Night at the Museum - December 4, 2007

Two hundred people enjoyed an evening of caroling, movies, family photos, story time, and Christmas cheer. People’s Choice Award was presented to Sam Spencer of Lea County State Bank.

Desert Soliloquy

October 29 - November 10, 2007

A photographic experience presenting a 14-year study and effort by Calvin Smith to set the Mescalero Sands aside as a National Outstanding Natural Area. It included an ecological record of the flora and fauna of a unique region that encompassed the capture and release of two Sandhill Whitetail deer and the identification of the Sand Dune Lizzard which is now considered a special species and possibly endangered.

Curtis Fort & Danny Stevens - Two Views of Life on the Llano

Reception: October 29
Exhibit: October - November 3.

Talented men with sculpture and photography - a welcome sight any time.

Playa - Gems of the Plains

September 12 - October 13, 2007

This exhibit was all wet … lands that is. Students and visitors participated in hands-on art and science activities.

Do You Remember?

July 27 - August 31, 2007

In the center gallary were photos of Hobbs, Lovington, Jal, and Eunice. They sent memory lane on a puzzle of “who are you and what were you doing?”

Making a Hand: Ranch Children of New Mexico

July 7 - August 31, 2007

The opening reception welcomed Gene Peach the photographer as well as such subjects of his photos as Tuffy Cooper from Lea County

Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame